Overview

• The Merz-led coalition is advancing a reform of the Arbeitszeitgesetz to set a weekly maximum, with multiple outlets reporting a proposed cap of 48 hours that remains in drafting and consultation.
• An analysis by the Hugo Sinzheimer Institut estimates a 48-hour ceiling could permit workdays of up to 12 hours and 15 minutes, far beyond today’s 10-hour daily limit in exceptional cases.
• HSI cites occupational-health evidence linking longer shifts to higher risks of stress, burnout and physical illnesses, and it rejects employer claims that longer days can be simply offset by shorter ones.
• Government and employer groups say a weekly cap would increase scheduling flexibility, support economic activity and help ease skilled-labor shortages by encouraging parents, caregivers and older workers to take jobs.
• A new Hans-Böckler-Stiftung WSI survey reports that about three quarters of employees expect very long days to harm rest, family time and daily routines, while fewer than one in ten foresee improvements.